Construction inspectors inspect and examine buildings, bridges, highways and construction sites to ensure that specifications, building codes and safety regulations are observed.
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People in this occupation:
Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Source: 2021 Job Bank Wage Report
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook
10 year expected job openings: 1,340
Construction inspectors:
Building inspectors:
Building inspectors are local government officials primarily involved in new construction and renovation. They are members of the Building Officials’ Association of BC and many also belong to the Plumbing Officials’ Association of British Columbia and perform plumbing inspections. Workers in this occupation:
Home and property inspectors:
Home and property inspectors primarily work on existing structures for the private and real estate sector. Workers in this occupation:
Registered fire protection technicians:
Construction safety officers:
Construction inspectors typically work a regular 40-hour week. However, overtime may be required to complete projects and meet deadlines, and some inspectors may have a varied work schedule that includes weekends and evenings.
Construction inspectors spend a portion of their work day visiting construction sites (which can be noisy and dirty) and field offices. Some work sites are located outdoors, exposing workers to various weather conditions.
Although the work is generally not considered hazardous, inspectors wear hard hats and follow proper safety measures while on a construction site. They may also be required to work from ladders or crawl in tight spaces.
Additional hazards for fire protection technicians may include electrical shocks and exposure to hazardous chemicals, but following safety procedures reduces the risks.
Source: 2016 Census
Construction inspectors are typically required to have completed secondary school. Other training may include:
Several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a construction trade such as plumbing, carpentry or electrical may also qualify a person to become a construction inspector.
Professional certification as a property inspector, construction inspector or construction safety officer requires a combination of work experience and academic training. Certification can be obtained through the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC) or through various industry organizations such as the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI).
Building inspectors are required to complete the level 1 building inspector course, endorsed by the Building Officials’ Association of BC.
In Vancouver, North Vancouver City, North Vancouver District, Squamish, Chilliwack, Richmond, Sechelt, Courtenay, Whistler, Abbotsford and Surrey, Pitt Meadows and Coquitlam, municipal bylaws require fire protection technicians to be certified and registered through the ASTTBC Fire Protection Certification Program.
For more information on training and certification, please see the ASTTBC website at http://www.asttbc.org.
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
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See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. You’ll also find the skill strength needed, letting you know how capable you must be in that skill.
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All new job openings are expected in response to the need to replace retiring workers.
Although the majority of construction inspectors are employed in the Public Administration and Professional Business Services industries, demand is driven by the Construction industry. Government funding for capital projects could be an important source of construction employment. Growth in construction activities will support demand for construction inspection services by both local governments and private buyers.
In addition, growing concerns about public safety and building quality in the aftermath of the “leaky condo” problems have resulted in changes to the building code, which have increased the demand for inspection services. Building inspection services for prospective home buyers is a growing source of employment.
Career paths
Municipal and regional district building inspectors are generally members of the Building Officials’ Association of BC (BOABC), the certifying body for municipal inspectors and code professionals.
Inspectors gain certification as level 1, level 2 and level 3 building inspectors through a series of study sessions, exams and experience.
With experience, construction inspectors can also advance to supervisory positions or start their own businesses.
Additional resources